Q: What does art mean to you and how have you used art to spread your knowledge?

I think music, photography, poetry—all of it, have given me an extra sense of self and it complements my purpose. It's really about understanding who I am and taking the time to explore who I am.

It's given me a greater understanding of how connected we all are despite our different experiences or despite growing up in different places. Being able to travel and make meaningful relationships with people, learn about their life, and share wisdom with one another has very much influenced all of what I create, and how I create.

Art is one of the, if not the strongest, form of communication and the greatest tool for teaching. I think being true to myself, being in a constant state of reflection, maintaining my sense of integrity in how I create, and what I create is an example of what I'm talking about. And I'm an example of the lessons that I've learned and an example of the wisdom that's been shared with me. Just continuing to do what makes me happy and letting the passion and the knowledge that I've gained speak for itself.

I also think my dedication to working with youth, which I've done since I was in high school, is a great way for me to be able to share those lessons and those experiences. I’m working with a youth organization in Oakland right now, Girls Inc of Alameda County, as a social justice advocacy program leader. I teach a social justice advocacy curriculum in a very modified way, trying my best to make it as engaging and interactive as possible in this new virtual environment.

It gives me an opportunity to talk about social justice, talk about advocacy, and how to show up for our communities, but also how to show up for ourselves. I have an opportunity to bring in some information that I've gained from firsthand experience and talk to people around the world. And whether or not they decide to absorb or adopt that information is up to them. I always tell them to continuously ask questions and research to figure things out for themselves.

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